Saul rocked himself and moaned aloud:
"Ai! ai! my poor head! Did I live to see a grandson of mine brought up to judgement like a thief or robber?"
"It is as informer he will appear before the judges," said Abraham swiftly and passionately.
"Something must be done with Meir, father."
"Think of it and tell us what to do with him. Things cannot remain as they are. He will ruin us and our sons and bring shame upon the whole family. Father! people used to say that it was always an Ezofowich who tried to undermine the faith of Israel: that the house of Todros and the house of Ezofowich are like two rivers than run in opposite directions, but meet now and then, and struggle to see which is the stronger, and to push the other underground. This talk had subsided, people began to forget, till Meir stirred it up again. Something must be done. Think of it, father, and we will do as you command us."
Two red spots appeared on Saul's face.
"What is to be done with him?" he asked in a voice that sounded like a smothered sob.
Raphael said:
"He must be married as quickly as possible."
Ber, who had until now remained silent, observed: